The coast of Turkey on the Mediterranean Sea has long been one of the favorite vacation spots of Russians. Antalya is especially popular with our compatriots with its All Inclusive hotels. However, do not forget that this country is also washed by the waters of the Marmara, Black and Aegean Seas. Due to this circumstance, there are resorts in Turkey where the two seas merge. Marmaris, which is one of them, has recently begun to be mastered by the Russians. This article is devoted to the peculiarities of rest at the confluence of the Mediterranean and Aegean seas.
About Sultan Suleiman and the hapless builder
Marmaris appeared on the map of the Ottoman Empire in 1522. The name of the city is associated with the name of Sultan Suleiman, who, according to legend, ordered the hanging of the architect who built the unsightly fortress there, exclaiming: “Mimary as”. However, the version that it comes from the Greek word, which is translated asShining.
To be fair, it should be noted that the city on the shore of the bay near the confluence of the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas, which was called Fiscos, appeared at a time when no one had heard of the Turks. Already by the 11th century BC. e. he conducted intensive maritime trade with the countries of the Mediterranean. Later, Fiscos was owned by the Persians, Romans and Byzantines. Only at the end of the 14th century was it captured and plundered by the Turks, who, however, took another 3 decades to finally join their empire.
A new impetus to the development of Marmaris was given by the construction of a fortress in the 16th century. The appearance of this defensive structure made trade safer, which led to the economic prosperity of the city.
In 1789, an English flotilla led by Lord Nelson stopped in the bay of Marmaris. Nothing much happened in the city for the next century and a half.
Modern history
In 1957, Marmaris was badly damaged by an earthquake. Oddly enough, this tragic event gave impetus to the development of the city. In particular, when they began to rebuild it, wide avenues, an embankment and modern infrastructure facilities appeared on the map of Marmaris. However, the transformation of these places into a modern resort began in the 80s, when many hotels and entertainment facilities appeared there. Thanks to an intensive advertising campaign carried out outside of Turkey, tourists from Western Europe began to come there, and in the 2000s, Russian was increasingly heard there.
Geography
Marmaris is located in the southwest of Turkey, on the shores of a picturesque bay. From the north and from the east it is surrounded by mountains and pine forests.
The question of which sea in Marmaris, the Aegean or the Mediterranean, can be heard quite often. Although guidebooks often write that the resort is in a place “where they merge in a kiss”, in fact this is not at all the case. The city of Marmaris itself is located on the Mediterranean coast, and the meeting point of the latter with the Aegean is located somewhat to the west, not reaching the city of Dalaman, where the nearest international airport is located.
Climate
Now that you know what sea Marmaris in Turkey is on, it's time to figure out when to go there. So, the climate on this stretch of the coast of Turkey is Mediterranean. This means that the best time to visit Marmaris in Turkey is June (beginning of the month) and September. The holiday season here begins at the end of May. The hottest time in Marmaris is in August. However, even then there is much more pleasant weather than in Antalya. As for winter, the water temperature in the sea near Marmaris drops below 20 degrees already in the middle of autumn, therefore, from the 20th of October, all hotels in the resort are closed.
If you are interested in precipitation, then throughout the season the resort practically does not rain and the weather is sunny.
Main Beach
Reviews about the sea in Marmaris are usually admiring. And it could not be otherwise, since the beaches of the resort are protected by a bay in whichthere are no high waves.
Besides, Marmaris is attractive for lovers of diving and photography of the underwater world.
The main beach of the city is located in the very center of the resort. It is sandy and fairly long. The disadvantages include a small width and the fact that in some places, when entering the water, the sand is replaced by pebbles. This makes the main beach of Marmaris not the best place for families with small children, especially since it is quite crowded there. At the same time, "party-goers" are very fond of it, as right along the beach line there are many bars, cafes and discos where you can have fun, including at night.
Other beaches
Family couples and tourists who come to Marmaris on vacation with children prefer to stay in hotels that are located outside the city. The best choice for them are hotels located in the village of Icmeler, where there is a clean and cozy beach that has received the Blue Flag. It has water slides and attractions for young children.
A great place to sunbathe and swim is also in Turunc. The beach of this village is picturesque and surrounded by coniferous trees, which is very useful for people with problems of the lungs and respiratory system.
Active Leisure
Do you want to know which sea in Marmaris is best for diving? Judging by the reviews of fans of this type of active sport, the most interesting dive sites are located near small islands that are located in the Aegean Sea. There are great diving spots onMediterranean stretch of Marmaris coast. These include dive sites at Capes Kutyuk, Khaitly and Sary-Mehmet, at the lighthouses "Inje Burun" and Kadyrga, coastal waters near the islands of Dzhennet and Kargy, as well as the bays of Aksu and Abdi Reis. There, divers will get acquainted with the traditional fauna of the Aegean and Mediterranean seas - tuna, octopus, moray eels, crayfish, cardinal fish, etc. Some of the dive sites come across fragments of ancient ruins and sunken ships. In addition, the Basa Cave, which has long been chosen by lovers of underwater photography, is very popular.
Marmaris dive centers organize individual and group dives for everyone. A preparatory lesson is held with divers in advance. In addition, an instructor accompanies them during the underwater journey.
Sea trips
Among the entertainment in the resort of Marmaris, boat trips to explore the islands of the Aegean Sea are especially popular. For example, many tourists recommend visiting Sedira. Such a sea excursion involves a walk along the Kekova Bay and relaxing on a beach with special sand. According to legend, Sedira was once the summer residence of Queen Cleopatra. Mark Antony, who decided to provide his royal beloved with maximum comfort, ordered several barges with sand to be brought from Egypt and poured out on the beach so that she would not experience any inconvenience from walking on pebbles.
Tourists can enjoy a boat trip along the Dalyan Delta, where they meetgiant tortoises that come to these protected areas to lay their eggs.
Natural Wonders
The main attraction of Marmaris is the sea. It is difficult to say which place to choose in order to see the most beautiful landscapes. Many advise to take a boat trip to the islands of the Aegean Sea. If wide beaches stretch for many kilometers along the Mediterranean coastline, then you can see high precipitous coasts and picturesque cliffs.
In addition, everyone who comes to Marmaris is recommended to definitely go to Pamukkale. This place is really worth seeing. Its beauty was legendary even in the time of Cleopatra. In Pamukkale, water saturated with mineral s alts falls from high rocky ledges that form peculiar terraces. It gathers in pools where the water temperature always stays at +37 degrees Celsius.
Historic Sites
The must see place for visiting tourists in Marmaris is the Turkish medieval fortress of Kale, built by order of Suleiman the Magnificent. Several decades ago, it was turned into a museum, which contains exhibits dedicated to the history of the city and its environs.
Among the historical sights located in Marmaris itself is the ancient caravanserai of the Sultan of Hafsa. Although this structure is almost 500 years old, today it has been turned into one of the most visited tourist sites in the city. There are several cafes in whichyou can drink delicious coffee and taste Turkish cuisine, as well as buy products of local craftsmen in souvenir shops located under the arches of the caravanserai.
Bus tours
Recreation in Marmaris is also good because tourists have the opportunity to visit ancient monuments located in neighboring cities. A trip to Ephesus can be especially memorable. According to legend, the Mother of God spent her last years there, who was transported from Jerusalem by the Apostle John, who fulfilled the last will of Christ. In Ephesus, tourists can see the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, the library of Celsus, the agora of the Roman period, two well-preserved amphitheaters, the Temple of Hadrian. There are also famous Christian shrines that have been a place of pilgrimage for believers for many years, such as the house of the Virgin and the Basilica of St. John.
Hotels
Are you going to go to the sea in Marmaris? Which accommodation option to choose depends on your preferences. For those who come to this resort with friends, hotels located in the city itself are suitable. Their guests will be able to have fun on the beaches, where there is no shortage of cafes and restaurants, and in the evenings go to Bar street. This famous 300m long street is full of bars and discos where you can dance until you drop the night away.
If we are talking about holidays with children, then the best choice is club hotels in Turunc, Hisaronu and Icmeler with a large well-groomed territory. Noisy companies rarely stop there and entertainment for kids is provided.
Among these hotels, we can recommend 4-starhotels:
- Munamar. There is a pool for kids on site. Adults can use the services of the diving center.
- Marti La Perla. It is located 8 km from Marmaris. Has a swimming pool, kids club and the possibility to invite a babysitter.
Those who are not used to denying themselves anything can be recommended to spend their holidays in the five-star Green Nature Resort & Spa.
Reviews
To find out which sea in Marmaris is more suitable for a beach holiday, it is best to ask those who have already visited this resort. It turns out that both the Mediterranean and the Aegean have their pros and cons. In particular, the latter is considered cleaner, but it is cooler and there are almost always at least small waves. As for the Mediterranean Sea, it is warmer, and in the bay of Marmaris, the excitement is very slight for most of the bathing season. Some tourists pay attention to the degree of salinity of the water, which is much lower in the Aegean Sea.
Now you know what to expect from a holiday in the Turkish resort of Marmaris. Judging by the reviews of tourists, they leave this resort with the best impressions and recommend it to anyone who does not associate a successful vacation with lazy hours lying on the beach.
